We’re thinking about JOY this week, and, once again, John’s gospel comes through. Chapter 16 opens depressingly:
I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. (John 16.1, 2, ESV)
But we can’t get through the chapter without JOY:
Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16.24, ESV)
If we’re not experiencing JOY, maybe we should pray more!
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice…Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. (Philippians 4.4, 6, ESV)
You forgot Philippians 4:5b! “The Lord is at hand!!! [Therefore] Be anxious for nothing . . . .”
I could never figure out how we were supposed to just let go of anxiety till one day I saw that little phrase: the Lord is at hand. Priceless!